Fayuan Temple

One of the oldest surviving temples in the capital, founded in the seventh century as a memorial to fallen soldiers and rebuilt many times since. Set in a quiet quarter of the old outer city, its succession of halls shelters notable Buddhist sculptures, including a large reclining Buddha and bronze figures spanning several dynasties. The compound doubles as a Buddhist seminary, so robed students often cross its shaded courtyards. In spring it is celebrated for its flowering lilac trees, which once drew literary gatherings.